Started Self Employment in June 2025. What do I need to do when I start self employment?

Starting self-employment is exciting, you’re calling the shots, building something of your own, and (hopefully) making money doing what you love.

But it can also feel like a bit of a guessing game, especially when it comes to tax.

So if you’re planning to start working for yourself in June 2025, here’s what you actually need to do… no fluff, no jargon, just a helpful guide to keep you calm, clear and compliant.

🧾 Step 1: Register as self-employed with HMRC

You don’t need to do it the second you start, but you must register by 5 October 2026 (the October after the tax year you started in).

✅ In your case:

• You start self-employment: June 2025

• That’s the 2025/26 tax year (6 April 2025 – 5 April 2026)

🔗 Register for Self Assessment with HMRC

Once you register, HMRC will send you your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and set up your online account.

💸 Step 2: Start tracking your income and expenses

From day one, keep records of:

• Sales/income

• Business expenses

• Receipts (yes, even the coffee if it’s for client meetings ☕)

You can use:

• A spreadsheet

• Accounting software like Xero or FreeAgent

• Or work with a bookkeeper (hi 👋)

Good records make your tax return easier, and help you understand if you’re actually making money (not just staying busy).

📅 Step 3: Know your deadlines

As a self-employed person, you’ll file a Self Assessment tax return each year.

✅ For you:

• First return: covers 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026

• Deadline to file: 31 January 2027

• Deadline to pay any tax: also 31 January 2027

If your tax bill is over £1,000, HMRC may also ask for Payments on Account (advance payments toward next year’s tax).

🧠 Step 4: Understand what tax you might owe

When you’re self-employed, you may owe:

• Income Tax on profits over your personal allowance (currently £12,570)

• Class 2 National Insurance if profits are over ~£6,725

• Class 4 National Insurance if profits are over ~£12,570

Don’t panic…you’re not taxed on every pound you earn. And there are lots of allowable expenses you can deduct (like tools, office supplies, mileage, etc.).

💡 Top tip: Put 20–30% aside for tax

Open a separate savings account, and set aside a chunk of each payment you receive. It’s the easiest way to avoid the “How on earth am I going to pay this?!” panic in January.

👩‍💼 When should I get help?

We recommend getting support early, especially if:

• You’re unsure what you can claim

• You’ve got more than one income stream

• You want peace of mind, it’s being done right

We help lots of self-employed people like you… from sole traders to side hustlers to full-time business owners. Our job is to make this part easier, not scarier.

✨ Just getting started? Let’s make it feel simple.

Book a free call with us and we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do, what to watch out for, and how to stay ahead of the taxman without losing sleep.